07-16-13 If the Bra Fits: Your Guide to Selecting the Right Bra

If the bra fits, wear it! Well, that's the problem. Too many women are wearing bras that don't fit properly. And it's not looking good! Poor-fitting bras are seen everywhere! The fact is up to 80% of women right now are wearing the WRONG bra! Either their bra size is wrong or it's the wrong style--or both!!!

A poor fitting bra is not only uncomfortable--it's unflattering!

Ask yourself these bra fit questions:

Does your bra band ride up in the back?

Does your breast tissue spill over or bulge under the cup?

Do your cups pucker or gap? OR, do your cups runneth over?

Do your straps slip and slide?

Do your straps dig into your shoulders?

Does the wire poke your skin?

Did you know a woman's bra size changes up to 7 times in her lifetime? From young adulthood, to motherhood and then later in her mature years...a woman's bust changes over time. Of course, gaining weight or losing weight will also change your bust size and shape. When was the last time you checked your bra size and style?

What's the best way to measure to get the right fit? Finding the right bra (in size and style) is paramount to your comfort and to your overall look. However, there are several techniques used to measure to get your best fit. This week at MissusSmartyPants.com in all 5 Personal Profile memberships you will get the complete "Bra Guide to Selecting the Right Bra" to help you find your best way to measure and get your best bra.

We're talking about BRAS all week on Facebook too. Join us and join in the on the conversation-- because it's 'Bra Week' at MSP!

This week’s Style Mission: Invest in a pair (or two) of stylish flats!

'Killer' heels hurt your feet! There's only one thing that can save your outfit and your tired tootsies: A cute pair of flats! I'll bet you love your stylish heels (I know I do) but they’re only fine for a couple hours and then you've got to get realistic. I have lots of cute heels, but I can only wear them for 4 hours, tops. I also have several pairs of “dinner” heels. Those are the sassy ones that I can only wear them out to dinner-then back to the car—on my way back to the car my feet start screaming “OFF”! What a SYSter really needs are a couple of cute flats to pull out on these occasions.

Last week, I went to Charleston SC and did a lot of walking on old cobble-stoned streets. I showed my style, yes I did. But I was quickly reminded that you have to have several pairs of practical flats that you can rely on.

I took two pairs of flats with me and ended up wearing them both! I wore my bronze flats the first day and my black patent leather wedges (1 ½ inch heel) the next. I also took a pair of “dinner” shoes and wore them when we went out to dinner the first night out.

I encourage my SYSters to “Show Your Style” but PLEASE don’t be uncomfortable! Stash a pair of cute flats in your car, office or tote bag—just in case you have to extend your day or run errands on the way home.

You’ll still look stylish if you are wearing cute flats instead of a uncomfortable in a high-heeled shoe. However, you’ll look a bit silly if you replace your heels with clunky white sneakers.

A stylish pair of flats will be a real workhorse in your wardrobe! They work equally well with a pencil skirt or dress slacks—just like they do with your weekend attire.

Love, Leslie MSP

We need more cute comfy shoes (like these) that go with everything in our wardrobes!

MSP: Could you please give some guidelines on wearing the many new fashions that are short in front and longer in back? I'm seeing this trend in tops, skirts and dresses. Are they flattering for everyone?? Are tops made this way the right proportions to wear with capris/crops?? Some are longer in back than others. Does it matter what the length is in back?? Any help is appreciated. Thanks for the two FABULOUS style articles this week (July 11)!!! Thanks, Peggy

Dear Peggy,

You're quite welcome! Last week's style article was kinda of a 2-for-1 special, LOL! The article "10 Quick Ways to a Style Makeover" was so big it needed to be posted as part 1 and part 2. There is so much information and lots of pictures to help you makeover your style--these tips are bound to get any woman out of her style rut. Like all style articles, it will remain posted for the next couple of weeks so take advantage now!

To answer your question regarding the latest 'high-low' trend....here goes. This trend is a bit youthful however it would be fun to try this summer. So give it a go! However, do keep in mind that this style is not one I'd suggest you wear to work. It leans more towards a 'casual' vibe or something you'd wear relaxing on the weekend or on vacation.

A high-low top is loose and flowy and therefore looks best when matched up with short-shorts. You could wear longer shorts (around the knee) but be sure your shorts are slim-fitting (not loose and baggy).

Even better would be to try a high-low summer dress or maxi skirt. When wearing a short high-low dress wear heeled wedges and when wearing the maxi high-low wear a embellished flat sandal.

Hope that helps! Love, Leslie MSP

Here's an example of the 'high-low' trend and how to wear it...

DEAR MSP,

I just wanted you to know that I have had more compliments and owned fewer clothes than ever before since I joined you. I love the liberating feeling of having “permission” to ditch clothes which don’t make me look or feel good even if they are not worn out and they still fit me!

I did last week's mission with a black animal print scarf which I had tried to wear the week before but with THAT outfit it made me look too “dumpy” for some reason – proportions all wrong (although I am still amazed that I was able to notice this for myself!). It was left hanging on the wardrobe handle ready to go in my next charity shop bag. However, when Friday came around and I was off to work in a plain black v neck jumper and jeans – it was just the thing to lift my look. My boyfriend even commented that I looked very “French” and stylish and I also received several compliments at work…on a Friday! AND I listened to your radio show for the first time last week - wrote down your list and then went straight home to see how many items I could cross off out of what I had already.....and there were more than I expected.

Thank you for all of your help and wise words. I have never been known for taking care of my appearance or putting together outfits – and now it is becoming part of my daily routine – helped by the fact that I lay my clothes out the night before………

Thank you so much

Rocking the SYSter style in the UK

DEAR MRS SMARTY PANTS,

I've been a subscriber for two years now and many of the testimonials that I read on your Tues. mailing sound just like me: learning new things and feeling very happy about it.

But right now I just want to say that your MSP e-mails every week are just plain FUN! I don't have a whole lot of time to spend on myself (I homeschool my sons, have a part-time business at home, and am active in my church), but I really look forward to reading MSP. It's my down time . . . my kick back time . . . my "Me" time!

Thanks again, Sandra

P.S. Someday I'll get around to sending you some pictures so you can see how you've helped to change me--for the better!